Those using this north Kashmir route return to the base camp the same day after having the 'Darshan'.

The traditional Pahalgam route is 46-km long and takes three days for a pilgrim to teach the cave shrine from Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.

Helicopter services are also available for pilgrims from both the north and the south base camp sites.

Due to heightened militant activities this year in the Kashmir Valley, a three-tier security cover manned by the army, the ITBP, the CRPF and the state police has been put in place to secure the Yatra.

The 48-day long yatra started on July 2 and will conclude on August 17 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.